Improvement in Steam Engine Boilers. 13 
(less the above 1966 grains,) which, in proportion to the demand for 
the formation of water, would be 83520 grains. Thus, about half 
the hydrogen would combine with the air, more or less in proportion 
to the ratio of that producing the greatest heat; the other half in 
the ratio which the carburetted hydrogen demands oxygen. 
Such may be the comparative basis of calculation; and as 2 
vols. pure hydrogen require 1 vol. oxygen to form water and 1 vol. 
carburetted hydrogen, 2 vols. oxygen to be consumed.* ‘The ratio 
of effect of the latter must be } to the former, supposing the com- 
bustion to be under equally favorable circumstances. 
Whatever would be the effect of 1 lb. of pure hydrogen gas in 
raising the temperature of water, it would thus seem that the effect 
of 8 lbs. of the light carburetted hydrogen after proper deductions 
would be about 2 of 8 lbs. or 6 lbs. besides the effect of the sur- 
plus hydrogen combined with atmospheric oxygen. Practical use, 
experimentally, authorizes the belief, that the carburetted hydrogens 
as fuel, will be economical in point of first cost. And the incidental 
advantages of this improvement may be thus stated. ‘The command 
and discontinuance of a voluminous flame in locomotives, in boats, 
and in stationary rail-way engines, ferry boats, gun boats, packets, 
canal and small river steam boats. ‘The fuel to be carried to produce a 
given effect, is much less in weight than if it were coal or wood. 
The activity of this fire will better keep up the full tension of the 
steam, while the engine is rapidly at wor 
I therefore declare and claim the prinesgle of the sStdehde im- 
provement in steam boilers and fuel to be, and consist of, the adap- 
tation of boilers as aforesaid, to the reception and use of the carbu- 
retted hydrogen gases and vapors, and the combination therewith of 
a receiver or generator of the said vapor or gases for that purpose. 
New York, Jan. 24th, 1831. J. L. Sunnivan. 
* See Prof. Silliman’s Elements, Vol. I, p. 402, (7.) > 
